The next morning, Danielle was surprised when she realised that she'd slept all night, despite having slept most of the day before thanks to the sedative. Nor could she deny that she felt a lot better for it. At 10:55, Dr Stark and Joanne arrived to take her to the visitor's room. Silently, Myers slipped out past them, and Rick let him back into his own cell.
"Just so you know, the visiting rooms are monitored and recorded," Dr Stark said. "But we only listen if we have a reason to do so, a very good one at that. We know that we won't need to come near your visit. There are signs in the room which warn its being monitored but of course you wouldn't see them which is why I'm telling you now. If you need anyone, press the call button built into the wall beside the door, it's the same as the one in your cell."
Danielle smiled at the doctor gratefully. "Thanks Dr Stark."
Dr Stark and Joanne guided her down corridors and through beeping doors into the visiting room, where Charlotte and her family were already waiting.
…
As soon as Danielle was in the visiting room with Charlotte and her family, Dr Stark turned away, the smile falling from her face. It'd been genuine while it was there but now it was slipping. She had a meeting with Dr Loomis this morning, one reason for having Danielle distracted. She had called Charlotte the day before, asking her if she wanted to bring her family to see Danielle and was genuinely happy when they'd all immediately said yes. But she hated the fact that she also had an ulterior motive for doing so and didn't want Danielle anywhere near there. She'd asked Charlotte not to tell her that she'd called and say it was their idea. Charlotte had agreed instantly, trusting the therapist, and saying they'd been planning to come anyway.
Heading down the corridors and back through the doors, she finally reached Dr Loomis' office and knocked. "Enter," Dr Loomis called.
"Thanks for working with me on this Sam," Dr Stark said as soon as the heavy door was securely closed. "So fast I mean."
"Of course," Dr Loomis gave her a small smile, then a serious look. "I totally understand why we're here and I agree this is what we must do. Someone passed her number on to Dawson once and that is once too many for my liking." He gestured at a machine on the table. "I've downloaded the audio footage from visiting room six those two days," he said. "Let's see what Mr. Chancer and his friend had to say to each other."
"You think it might be related?" Dr Stark asked in horror. Dr Loomis touched his junior consultant's arm.
"Yes, I do. But I couldn't listen unless we had a reason. Well, you can't get much better reason than a possible security risk. I almost listened to them that day, but I didn't have enough grounds to do so. Damn laws and I hate the fact she's suffered as a possible result. But let's see what we hear first, shall we?"
"I just…" Dr Stark looked at him. "Was hoping you'd say it probably wasn't related. That's what horrifies me so much. If we both agree, even you, then…"
"Gemma." Dr Loomis touched her arm again. It was one of very few times he'd ever used her first name and Gemma Stark now understood why he was so good at calming his patients, some of the most dangerous men on the planet. Like Michael Myers… "Whatever happens, we'll deal with it together. Ok? You're not alone in this. You are a very good therapist, and she trusts you. I'll always have your back, you know that."
"No wonder your patients trust you," Dr Stark gave him a faint smile, tears pricking at her eyes. "You know how to get through to the most dangerous men around."
Dr Loomis smiled back at her. "Just doing my job, Gemma. But you know I'm always here for you, should you need to talk about anything."
"I've wanted to," Dr Stark admitted. "But you're a busy man and I didn't want to be a bother."
"Well forget that," Dr Loomis said sternly. "If you need me at any point, I'm here. That's what I'm here for, Gemma. If you need to, come, and find me. You do the same job as I and I know how stressful it can be. I know you have Luke, but you're obviously limited to what you can tell him. You're not with me. If you need me, I'm here."
"But then who do you talk to?" Dr Stark argued. Dr Loomis smiled at her.
"I can ask you," he said.
…
"Danielle!" Emma Avery cried, running to pull her tightly into her arms.
"Hi mom," she said, also close to tears and Emma hugged her as tightly as she could, then kissed her cheek.
"You're so thin, are you eating enough? Aren't they looking after you? Have you been truthful and answered all their questions honestly? Are…"
"Let her breathe Mom!" Charlotte said but was also smiling. "Although we do want those questions answered," she added sternly. "That said, you've got more than just the doctors to answer to." She could hear that she was grinning.
"Yes," she said, pretending as if she was rolling her eyes but in truth more grateful than she could ever tell Emma Avery. She hadn't released her from the hug. "The food is ok, and I eat what I can. When I first came here, I obviously had no appetite, but I'm getting better now, thanks. I didn't trust the doctors at first either, but they've been amazing Mom and I'm not being sarcastic or bitter either. Dr Stark and Dr Loomis have been fabulous, as have most of the guards. The female guard I came in with is Joanne Turner, my assigned guard and she's almost become a friend."
"Yeah, she's awesome," Charlotte agreed. "She's the one who shot Adam in the shoulder when he wouldn't move out of our way at the courthouse."
"She sounds great just for doing that," Dave Avery stepped forward and hugged her tightly. "Hey, my girl, how are you?"
"Hey dad," she hugged him back and Charlotte saw her father blinking back tears. "I'm getting there. How are you? It's so nice of you all to come here today. Thank you so much."
"Hey! What about me sis?" Colin stepped forward and pulled her to him. She rested her head against his shoulder and kissed his cheek as she had with Dan and Emma. "Hey bro." Damn it's so good to see you all again! When it first happened, I wasn't sure if…"
"Hey darling don't," Emma said softly, as they all sat down in comfortable chairs facing the glass window. They then placed loads of chocolates and drinks in front of her, along with a CD player and lots of her favourite books on CD. She blinked back tears again. They were spoiling her rotten. "Thank you," she just managed to say. "I love you all so much."
"As do we!" Colin barked. "We weren't losing you for that prick Dawson! No way!"
"How's Nigel?" she asked. "Is he ok?"
"He's moved into a new house, he wanted to be away from Adam too. But I have his new number," Colin pulled out his phone. "He changed it to be safe, just in case. He says he'll come in and see you sometime soon. Those chocolates are from him." He showed her the box in question. "He misses you. He said to text him." she copied Nigel's new number into her phone. The man who'd saved her life and seen through Adam's lies.
"I will. I can't thank him enough for what he did," she admitted. "I would've been dead now. But I would like to know, was it him who whistled in court?"
"Yep," Colin smiled. "He was telling you he was there."
"Were you guys there too? I'm sorry I didn't see you afterwards,"
"Only me," Colin said. Mom and Dad had to work. That's why I texted you afterwards. You did so well in their sis, I can't even begin to tell you."
"Agreed," Charlotte said quietly. Colin looked at her. "So did you, my other sis." They all smiled.
…
It was the best few hours of her life recently. When she finally went back to her cell, she was exhausted, but so happy. She had to ask for a couple of bags to carry all the gifts back. Joanne helped her put them on her desk. She was sure that in normal circumstances the guards would take them and give them to her in moderation, but not this time. She lay down on her bed and started listening to one of her new books. She was still reading it at midnight. Michael hadn't joined her that night, but she didn't mind. Just the knowledge he was only down the corridor was enough for her. Just as her eyes were closing, she heard the ping of a new message, but she was too tired to check it. This was probably a good thing. If she had, she wouldn't have slept at all.
Did you enjoy having visitors today? I'm watching you. Happy Halloween.
…
It was pitch black by the time Adam reached the narrow streets situated exactly halfway between his house and the psychiatric hospital. He knew Charlotte would have to come this way and she'd drive right past him. He had a plan, based on the information Derek Chancer had given him and he was damn well going to use it.
It felt like he'd been waiting for hours when suddenly, there! There was Colin Avery's car, and his bitch was right there in the backseat. He had to make sure she at least saw him; he couldn't give a fuck about the rest of them. Picking up the long sharp nail he'd brought with him from his toolbox, Adam stepped out of the car and deliberately punctured his back left tire. There was a bang then the hiss of escaping air. This made Adam even angrier. His bitch would pay for this. She'd just made him lose a tire and it was all her fault. If she hadn't moved out, without his express permission, this wouldn't have happened. This was money he could've used on a whore. She'd pay for it with her pussy if he had anything to say about it.
He felt himself harden just at the thought, as he slowly and methodically began to change his tire. Now he was angry. Charlotte Avery would pay for this alright.
…
"No fucking way!" Colin Avery shouted, stomping on the brakes. Charlotte, who'd been half asleep, jolted awake. "What?"
"Nothing sis," Colin said, turning to his father. "Dad," he breathed, "look out the window!"
Dave Avery did and saw Adam Dawson standing beside his car, changing what looked like a punctured tire. He was almost willing to bet the son of a bitch had done it on purpose, giving him an excuse for stopping there. He had no reason to be here. None. Before they could stop her, Charlotte too had looked out.
"Shit," she paled. "It's Adam…"
"Don't you worry sis," Colin pulled out his phone and pressed three buttons fast. 911. "He isn't getting anywhere near you!" Charlotte listened as he asked for the police, then told them who he was and what was happening. That his sister was now in considerable distress and Dawson had no excuse to be there.
…
Adam risked a glance up and saw that Charlotte had seen him. She was ghostly white. He smirked. At that moment, Dave Avery jumped out of the car and Colin had to physically restrain him, pulling him back.
"No dad," Colin hissed. "You're going to get yourself in trouble! That misogynistic prick is not worth you going to prison! We and mom need you!"
"He's right!" Charlotte agreed, still very pale.
Adam's hands were shaking a little now. He had no doubt whatsoever that those bastards had called the pigs. He had to change his tire fast before the heat really came down on him. Two minutes later, he was back in his car, driving away as fast as he could.
…
"No Cole," Charlotte begged as Colin was about to go after him. "Don't! Like you just said, he's not worth it!"
"Fucking bastard," Dave growled. He called the police back and told them the direction Adam had gone.
"Are you ok?" He asked his shaken daughter; even though she was trying to hide it.
"Yeah," Charlotte said quietly. "But fuck. He's a determined guy. He probably blames… Scratch that. He'll blame us for the punctured tire. It'll be all our fault and he…"
"Over my dead body!" Dave and Colin said together. "He won't punish you for something he did," Dave finished.
"I'm willing to bet he punctured that fucking tire himself when he saw us coming," Colin said. Charlotte nodded with tears in her eyes.
Colin stopped the car immediately and Dave slipped into the back beside her and Emma, pulling Charlotte into his arms along with her mother. In any other circumstances, Charlotte would've rolled her eyes and said, "dad I'm an adult now," but not in this case. She simply rested her head on her father's shoulder as she finally let her tears fall. Would Adam Dawson ever give up? The answer was clearly no.
…
By the time the police came looking for him an hour later, Adam was already back in his apartment. There was absolutely no evidence he'd been anywhere that night. When the police saw his punctured tire in his trunk, Adam told them it'd been there for ages and the cops couldn't disprove that. A job well done, Adam thought with a satisfied smirk as tonight's whore finally arrived at his door.
…
"Jesus Christ!" Dr Stark burst out, frustrated, and exasperated. "Fucking hell! I was there when the company installed these so-called tops of the line microphones. "You won't miss a thing," the manager guy said. Total bullshit! They're a pile of crap! No wonder he was wearing such a cheap suit if this is the kind of shit he sells! Trust Andrews to go for the cheapest option and make them look expensive! I mean shit! You couldn't hear Michael speak with these things!"
Dr Loomis raised his eyebrows and Dr Stark could tell he was amused by her uncharacteristic outburst and dark, sarcastic humour. "Very eloquently put," he said, and she could see he was trying not to smile. Dr Stark couldn't help it and smiled a little herself.
"Shut up! I asked Andrews if we could integrate the recording microphones into the ones built into the glass so people can hear each other. He said no. Said they needed to be separate, so it was obvious it was being recorded! Total crap! He just didn't want to pay the extra money! Look where we are as a result!"
For the last hour, they had tried to listen to the recordings of Chancer and Sarcozi, but they could barely hear anything. The two men were whispering, keeping their voices low. This time, the "this is being recorded signs" had become a security risk in and of themselves, rather than an aid.
"We could ask one of the guards to listen," Dr Loomis suggested. "Maybe if they have well-tuned ears."
"She would love that," Dr Stark smiled, unable to stop herself. "The ear reference."
Dr Loomis grinned. "To be honest, if this wasn't about her, I may have considered asking her to listen in. Her hearing is undoubtedly very good seeing as she obviously depends on it so much."
Dr Stark nodded. She mimicked Andrews's voice. "The microphones need to be visible Dr Stark, as do the signs. We are not putting them into the glass. Those mics need to be separate. They have the best range and will pick up anything said. End of discussion. Although the truth is I'm a tight, selfish bastard who has no desire to spend more money than I must!"
For one of very few times since she'd known him, Samuel Loomis started to laugh. Dr Stark tried to keep up her annoyed glare at him, but it didn't work and within seconds she was doing the same.
…
By the time he woke up the next morning, Adam was cursing himself. He shouldn't have sent that message to her last night. Even using a new Apple ID, he shouldn't have. He knew it. He'd just been so angry that she'd dared change her number a second time and he wanted her to know it. She had no right to do so without his express permission once, never mind twice. But to put that about her having visitors? That'd been a mistake. Now she would know for certain someone was working for him on the inside. I'm watching you. Stupid. But he reminded himself. What was done was done. He couldn't change it or take it back now and there was no way she or the quacks would find out who his man in SG was. So far, it seemed Derek Chancer had been very careful in covering his tracks and Adam commended him for it. He was taking this seriously. That said, given the amount of money on the table for him if he succeeded, that wasn't surprising. More tools to kill women with no doubt, Adam thought with a grin. Good.
Adam himself had had a long night. Rolling over, he went back to sleep.
…
"You can see on the video cameras Mark Sarcozi hands Chancer something," Dr Stark said, peering intently at the screen. "I just can't make out what it is. All I can see is a small rectangular package from this camera angle. But a guard opens the glass so the exchange can take place. We need to find out who the guard was and what was in that package."
"Yeah," Dr Loomis said quietly. "That's the key word here Gemma. Was. Don't you recognise him? He ended up zipped into a body bag after Michael was finished with him. It's… Correction, it was, John Baker."
"Ah." Dr Stark said, deflating. "Well, um, bollocks!"
"Bollocks?" Dr Loomis said, sounding amused. "Well, who'd have thought you'd know and use such British expletives, Gemma?"
Dr Stark threw her pen at him. Dr Loomis deftly caught it. "I learnt them from you!"
"Hmm." Dr Loomis mused. "But yes, I would agree that bollocks are a pretty good word to sum up our current position. After all, talking to a dead guard is impossible. Wouldn't you say?"
Dr Stark couldn't help laughing. It was good to know they could have at least a little banter in a situation like this. Stepping forward, Dr Loomis handed Dr Stark back her pen. It was a heavy silver one with her initials GS engraved into it. Luke had given it to her as a gift. "Just because I love you," he'd said. "I know you'll get a lot of use out of it."
She had almost cried. It'd been at the end of a particularly stressful day. Luke had told her he'd been saving it, but when she'd come home in tears, he had decided to give it to her then and there.
"Nice pen," Dr Loomis remarked. "Luke really loves you; you know."
Dr Stark smiled back at him. "I know. I love him so much too! Best decision I ever made was marrying him. I just wish sometimes I could tell him some of this shit. He's out there trying to save people's lives and keep their hearts beating and I'm…" She took a breath. "Jesus, I don't know! Trying to save a woman from an abusive ex and she's now very possibly falling in love with a serial killer?" She sank into one of the chairs, running her hands through her hair. "Andrews' wishes to transfer said killer aside, someone out there is out to get her, working for Dawson and I damn well want to know who it is!"
"We need to search Chancer's cell." Dr Loomis said. "That's the only way we're going to find out what was in that package from Sarcozi. Before you ask, we don't need a reason, Gemma. This is a high security ward full of very dangerous men. I think that's good enough. How do we know it wasn't something to kill someone with?"
Dr Stark shivered a little. Dr Loomis put his arm around her. "Sorry," he said quietly.
"No," Dr Stark shook her head and hugged him back. She deeply loved Samuel Loomis in the way only close friends understood. "You could be right on the money. He's just… One scary guy and an evil asshole to boot."
"We'll wait until morning when we have the specially trained guards. I could call them in tonight, but I think she will be safe for the next few hours. We'll just keep a careful eye on the situation. I also want more guards here because, it goes without saying, however well trained you are, that you, her, and Joanne will be nowhere near the block when the search is conducted," Dr Loomis said, so firmly that Dr Stark decided against arguing. She just gave him a small smile of gratitude and simply said, "I love you Sam. Thanks."
Dr Loomis squeezed her again and said quietly, "ditto."
…
Danielle was woken by two sounds which immediately caused a smile to cross her face. Jangling keys and cheerful, happy whistling. That sound always made her ears prick up; she could listen to someone whistling for hours. The sounds drew nearer and with them came the smell of coffee, to mix with the already present smells of cleaning fluid. The cleaners had left the block an hour ago. They tried to be quiet, but she almost always heard them. She really wanted to know who was whistling, so she approached her door and called softly through it. "Hello?"
The whistling stopped and someone spoke. "Good morning, how are you this morning?"
She grinned at the speaker. It was Jordan Atkinson. The Australian guard who headed the crew that started the early shift after Joanne's finished the night shift. He'd recently told her that he'd moved to Illinois from Sidney when he was 20, married an American woman and had never looked back. She loved his accent. If truth be told, she considered him as one of the five guards that she could talk to if she needed anything. Along with Ryan, Jack, Rick and of course Joanne. In one way he was the same as Jack. He could be playful, but immediately switch to serious and alert if the need arose.
It certainly wasn't true to say she didn't like all but one of the guards she'd met. All apart from the late John Baker had been kind and caring towards her. But there was something about those five that was just… Different.
"Morning Jordan," she said as the guard slid open her hatch. "How are you?"
"All the better for seeing you and of course I was whistling just for you."
"You're such a charmer," she smirked. "And such a liar!"
"Oh! My heart! That unfounded accusation has stolen my ability to whistle! I doubt I'll ever be able to do it again!"
"Oh whatever, drama queen!" she said laughing. It felt so good. Jordan pretended to sob, then joined her in her laughter.
"Do you want me to ask one of my guards to take you to breakfast when they start serving, as you're awake?"
"Yes please," she replied. "I could eat a horse at the moment!"
"Hmm. I don't think that's on the menu, but I'm sure there'll be something just as nice."
"Ha. Please could I have some tea in the meantime?"
"Of course. Coming right up!"
"Thanks Jordan, you're amazing."
"I know. But thanks for telling me anyway."
She reached through the hatch and lightly hit him on the arm. Further proof she was trusted as the guards normally stood further back. "Watch out for that ego, your head won't fit through the door!"
Jordan laughed and strolled away. As he did so, she couldn't help smiling as he once again despite his earlier statement started to whistle.
Reaching over for her phone, she checked the time. 6:15. what she'd said to Jordan was true. She was starving. Opening her phone, she saw that she had a new message. She smiled. Charlotte? She opened it and that was when her world seemed to stop turning.
Did you enjoy having visitors today? I'm watching you. Happy Halloween.
She read it once, twice. It had to be from Adam, there was no doubt in her mind at least. But, "did you enjoy having visitors today?" Those first six words were what made her blood run cold and her heart race. How did he know she'd had visitors yesterday? Someone must've told him! If so, who? This was what Dr Stark had promised her she would find out. Who inside Smith's Grove had been paid by Adam to do this? Were they acting alone or through someone else? That thought made her temperature drop even further. Did you enjoy having visitors today?
The message had clearly been sent the night before. She could almost dismiss the "I'm watching you, happy Halloween part." Almost. It was Halloween? Fuck! No wonder Michael hadn't joined her last night. This was the day he was at his most dangerous. That didn't stop her wishing he was there right now though. She let out a long breath, determined not to panic. That was what Adam wanted after all, she knew, and she'd be damned if she'd give him the satisfaction. Even though he wouldn't know about it. Not this time. She'd matured a lot, with the help of the doctors here and no way in hell was she going to let this abusive prick set her back on the progress she'd made. But still. Who was watching her? That did make her nervous and she had to find out. It made her wish even more that Michael was with her right then. If he'd seen this… She shivered. Another kill. That said, she was certain he wouldn't hurt her and that would doubtlessly be the outcome regardless of if they found the perpetrator.
She didn't even want to consider that it could be one of the guards. That thought was too terrible to think about. So, it had to be…
"No," she said out loud. "How?"
Did you enjoy having visitors today? That could not be a coincidence. Adam knew Charlotte was coming to the hospital with her family.
…
When Gemma Stark's cell rang, she almost didn't answer it. She glanced at the screen, unknown ID. Pausing the video she and Dr Loomis had come back to that morning, trying again to see what the package was, she answered it, putting it on speaker.
"Is this Dr Stark?" Asked a male voice.
"That is correct."
"This is Detective Holloway from the Illinois PD. We have reason to believe Adam Dawson was near the hospital last evening. Charlotte and her family saw him as they were driving home. He appeared to be changing a flat tire which they are sure he deliberately punctured himself. We have spoken with Charlotte and her parents, and they have confirmed that they were visiting her yesterday. Mr. Dawson told us the flat tire we found in his trunk last night had been there for a while, but we're not convinced. We're trying to get a curfew imposed on him, but we wanted to let you know just in case. Please don't hesitate to call us if anything further happens."
"Thank you," Dr Stark said numbly and ended the call. She caught Dr Loomis' eye.
"No fucking way! How the hell did he know? Damn right he punctured that tire on purpose, son of a bitch! Whoever is watching her must have told him! What the fuck? Ok, that's it! We need to search his cell now Sam, not later!"
"I agree," Dr Loomis said, he looked as angry as she did. "Stand by, I'll call in the trained guards now. They're due to start at 9AM and it's only 7, but this is an emergency. I'll be right back!"
…
This time when Danielle heard Jordan whistling as he approached with her tea, she couldn't smile. As he handed it to her, she asked if he'd come in for a sec.
"I do have a meeting in a few minutes, can I ask one of the other guards to help you?"
"No, I promise it won't take long. Please Jordan, I need it to be you."
Jordan opened her door. "Ok. What's wrong?"
Without speaking, she handed the guard her phone. She almost felt it when his playful attitude vanished and the serious, protective guard was there.
"When did you get this?" He was keeping his voice low.
She did the same. "This morning. I think it's Adam. But how the fuck did he know I had visitors yesterday? That scares me, Jordan. Plus, what about Charlotte? I must know if she's ok!"
"Stand by," Jordan said and ran out. She had only once heard a guard run from her cell and that was when Michael was killing Jefferson.
She sat down on her desk chair and before she knew it, was crying softly. Fuck. Would this ever end? She didn't see it as Michael's gaze followed the sprinting guard.
…
"Ok this settles it," Dr Loomis said when Jordan showed him and Dr Stark the text on Danielle's phone. Dr Stark went even paler.
"I have to go and see if she's ok," she said and turned to run herself.
Dr Loomis stopped her with a soft hand to her arm. "I want Michael with her Gemma," he said quietly. "Yes, I understand its Halloween and I also understand your views, but we have to."
"What if…" Dr Stark began but Dr Loomis cut her off.
"Michael won't hurt her. Please Gemma, please do this for me. She can stay in her cell while we search Chancer's then. Please."
Dr Stark hesitated again. This was a huge risk…
"JUST DO IT!" Dr Loomis snapped, and Gemma's mouth dropped open. Her boss had never yelled at her before. It told her he had no room or time for her arguments. She nodded once, before she turned and began to run.
…
Derek Chancer was rudely woken by running footsteps as the block doors banged open. Looking out, he saw Dr Stark running towards her cell. He smirked. Dear oh dear. What had happened? What a shame if that bitch was in distress.
Chancer rolled over on to his back and glanced at the tiny clock bolted in the ceiling. They didn't even trust him with a clock. It was 6:55. He sighed, remembering what'd happened just five hours before.
…
BEEP! BEEP!
Derek jolted awake, wondering what the fuck the racket was. He turned over and saw it was his iPod, flashing a red light. He grabbed it. Earlier that day he'd sent a message.
THE HEAT'S COMING DOWN, I NEED HELP.
Now, he hit the answer button stopping the beeping.
"Derek!" Drawled a casual, laidback voice Derek had never met the owner of, but was pretty sure he knew who it was. This had to be Chris Leach. "My man!"
Chancer couldn't deny he was surprised. He hadn't expected Leach himself to call.
"What was with the fucking deafening noise?" He snapped. "What if the guards heard? Hell, I think the whole hospital heard!"
"Well, you see," Leach began, now sounding like an adult teaching a despondent child that one plus one equalled two. Now Derek really did want to punch him. "It had to sound like an alarm clock so even if the whole hospital did hear it, there's nothing suspicious about an alarm clock, and is there?"
Chancer looked at the display. It was 2 AM. Of course, Leach wouldn't call him during the day. Chancer was just glad Leach's voice was coming through the headphones, which he thankfully hadn't unplugged. If the guards heard…
"So," Leach drawled. "I don't have hours Derek. What's the problem? You say you need help? Why is this?"
"Why do you think?" Chancer hissed. "Only because Michael fucking Myers has, I think caught on to what's going on. I don't think he knows it's me but it's surely only a matter of time! He's one killer who scares me!"
"You and many others," Leach remarked. "But what makes you think he gives a damn about her?"
"Did Sarcozi not tell you what I said? Jesus Christ! Why am I not surprised? Myers is always watching her; he's already killed Baker and Jefferson because they hurt her and I sure as fuck don't want to be next! I got our client her number, she had it changed, and Baker died as a result! Now you're asking me to try and get her number again when she's being protected by a God damn serial killer? Be fucking real!"
"My dear man. It's not us who wants it, it's our client." Leach's arrogant, casual I'm above you, this isn't my problem tone, made Derek's blood boil. He had to work hard to keep his voice from rising.
"Same fucking difference! I think they're on to me Mr. Leach." Despite his anger, Chancer knew better than to disrespect Chris Leach. If only by addressing him thus. In his own way, this man was almost as dangerous as Myers. "It can't be long before they search my cell."
"What gives you that idea? Even if they do, it's an iPod. You can explain that away can you not? It's not your concern if they try to get into it. It's well… Theirs."
Chancer remembered the instruction manual and how inputting the wrong password three times would be fatal. He shivered a little. Leach was certainly right about that. They'd die trying. Quite literally.
"They'll have to prove it first," Leach continued. "There is absolutely no proof on the outside that it's anything other than an iPod. Our man told me you were whispering during your visit, so what are the chances that the microphones heard you? I think you're safe Mr. Chancer and are worrying too much. It's an innocent little iPod. Nothing more, nothing less. So, if that's all…"
"Hang on a sec," Chancer hissed outraged. "What about the fact that I may very well be the target of the masked killer?"
Leach chuckled. Right then, Chancer wanted himself or Myers to kill the motherfucker. "How is that our problem Derek? You agreed to do this job did you not? For the money. You knew damn well that there is risk involved, whether from Mr. Myers or someone else."
"You're just going to…" Chancer couldn't even finish.
"There was nothing in the contract to say we'd bust in and rescue you at the first sign of trouble Derek. Sorry, my man. This is well… Your funeral."
When Leach hung up, Derek couldn't suppress the feeling that he could very well be right. Literally, his funeral if Michael Myers got hold of him.
Now, hearing the footsteps running to and from the block, Derek Chancer started to panic. And when he saw the riot guards entering with their shields and equipment, he knew it was for him.
…
"Hello," Dr Stark's voice came quietly through the cell door. "Are you ok? I've seen the text and I promise you we'll talk as soon as we can. But right now, Dr Loomis has requested Michael be with you. We are conducting a cell search momentarily and he wants you together. Ok?"
She could only nod. But as Michael's cell door opened and she heard his slow, calm footsteps approaching hers, she shivered a little. Despite knowing, or at the very least being certain he wouldn't hurt her, she found herself pressing against the wall. Her door slammed shut. All she could hear was the killer's calm, measured breathing. He didn't approach her but remained by the door. She understood why. She could almost feel his rage. She just hoped she didn't inadvertently anger him while they were locked in here over the next… However long this took.
…
The block doors crashed open, and Derek Chancer heard the footsteps running towards his cell. He hardly had time to register this before a male guard shouted "DEREK CHANCER! HANDS UP WHERE WE CAN SEE THEM! STAND UP, DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING! APPROACH THE DOOR SLOWLY AND TURN AROUND!"
Yep, they were indeed on to him. His "innocent little iPod" lay on his desk. If they took it, his job was over. But would that be so bad? He mused as he turned his back to the door and steel handcuffs were applied to his wrists with a harsh click.
The guards were pointing their guns at him. While Chancer knew the block guard's weapons had rubber bullets, the guns these guys carried were the real deal. He could be dead with one shot. His door buzzed open, and a guard grabbed him, pulling him out. Derek was only wearing a t-shirt and his underwear. He felt himself shiver. It was cold dressed only this way.
"OK LET'S GO!" A guard shouted and three entered his cell. Derek wondered why they had all their riot gear. He was handcuffed and being held by two armed guards. How could he possibly fight back even if he wanted to? Or perhaps it was because of what he'd tried to and almost done to Ray, Rees, whatever the fuck his name was, and they wanted extra security and backup. He glanced up the corridor and saw that yes indeed, Michael Myers was standing inside Hayward's cell by the door. He again found himself almost hoping the guards did find the iPod. That said, if Myers knew it had been him who'd done what'd happened so far, he didn't fancy his survival chances.
…
Danielle lay still on her bed trying not to move, fearing in some way that even this would anger the killer. Ok he'd treated her kindly, held her at night, let her touch his ears, but right now he was Michael Myers, the killer. She certainly didn't want to be on the wrong side of his rage. She heard the guards moving around searching Chancer's cell, the squawking of their radios as the control room asked if they were ok and if they had found anything. "Negative," she heard one of them say. So not yet then it seemed.
She knew these guys held real guns. Not the rubber bullets Rick, Joanne and the others had. These ones could kill.
Despite Michael being at his most dangerous, she found herself wanting to be close to him as she heard the heavily armed guards doing their jobs. She knew they should make her feel safe and indeed they did. They were trying to find the reason Adam had known she'd had visitors and so on. But still, they shouldn't have to be doing that. Adam had clearly hired someone on the inside to watch her. If it was Chancer, so far, they had no proof. She shivered again, pressing closer to the wall and without knowing exactly why, pressed the button to put her Plexiglas window up.
…
As Derek Chancer stood there, he found himself wishing they'd hurry up, even if for no other reason than from how cold he was. About five minutes later he heard one of the guard's shout three words.
"RED TO BLACK!"
Chancer had no idea what that meant but he had a horrible feeling that it wasn't good. This was confirmed when the guards with him tightened their grips, and one withdrew something from his jacket pocket. Chancer didn't see what it was until it was too late.
He felt the sting of a needle entering his left arm and seconds later things started to change. Sound took on the tinny distant sound it does when it sounds like it's coming down a dark tunnel. His vision dimmed and he would've collapsed if the guards hadn't been holding him.
I've been drugged. Was his last thought before everything in Derek Chancer's world went dark?
…
When she heard the guard's shout of, "RED TO BLACK!" She was utterly confused. She tried to tell herself it wasn't her concern, but she couldn't help wondering. Did that mean they'd found something? A few seconds later there were the sounds of the block doors slamming shut. Shortly afterwards, Jordan approached the cell.
"Guys, we're all clear. You can have breakfast now if you'd like."
She let out a hollow laugh. Her, "I could eat a horse," statement of just under an hour ago was completely irrelevant now. Her appetite was gone. Adam's text had destroyed it. She tried to reason with herself that this was what Adam wanted. He wanted her to fall apart, not eat and potentially attempt suicide again. She couldn't let that happen.
The door buzzed open, and she heard the killer step out to be chained. She waited for a moment and then heard the voice of Mel, one of Jordan's colleagues. "Hey, are we ready for breakfast?"
She wanted to refuse. But not anymore, she wouldn't. She would at least try and eat something.
"Do we know what the outcome of the cell search was?" She asked Mel in a low voice as Mel took her arm.
"No," Mel whispered back. "They obviously found something because they used a tranquiliser dart on Mr. Chancer so they could take him down to solitary and interrogate him."
"Shit," she let out a low whistle. "They're not going lightly on him then. Good! If it is him who's been watching me and reporting back to Adam, I can't say I'm at all sorry because I'd be lying."
As she and Mel set off down the corridor, she spoke quietly again. "Where's Michael?"
"He's in front of us with Kevin and Scott," Mel whispered back.
She sighed sadly. She'd had no comfort at all from the killer while everything had happened. But then, could she blame him? Did she really need it that much? It was Halloween tonight; the night Michael was most dangerous. She'd coped well considering, she thought. Did she really need his comfort?
"No," said a quiet voice in the back of her mind. "You wanted it. Totally different things."
She was almost certain she wouldn't be able to talk to Michael today. That would have to wait. Even if she could, what could she possibly say to him? Hell, she'd been afraid to move just now in her cell for fear of inadvertently angering him. What if she said the wrong thing? His kind treatment of her aside… She didn't want to risk it.
They entered the dining room and Mel fetched her a big plate of scrambled eggs and bacon. You won't win this time Adam, she thought with a determination she hadn't felt in a long time as she started to eat. To her surprise, once she started, she finished the whole plate.
"Hungry, are we?" Mel asked and she could hear the smile in her voice.
"More so than I thought that I would be after that," she admitted.
"Do you want some more?"
She surprised herself again. "Yes please."
…
The Shape stood at the door of his cell; his steady gaze directed down the empty corridor. There was no sign of her, or anyone else for that matter. The guards hadn't taken chances with him. Chaining him both to and from breakfast. He couldn't deny he felt the urge to kill very strongly. But then he always did on this day, worst tonight.
But then he thought of her and something unfamiliar tugged at his heart. He'd seen how afraid she'd been when he was with her in her cell. How she'd pressed close to the wall as if she was afraid to even move in fear of angering him. This caused a feeling he didn't understand completely, except that he knew that he didn't want her to be afraid of him. Now, or ever. He would never hurt her; The Shape knew that much.
Thinking back, he should've approached her in her cell, and tried to offer comfort. But his rage and desire to kill was too strong, especially when he'd seen the guards searching Derek Chancer's cell. He had suspected for a long time that Chancer was the one watching and reporting on her and, although he'd tried to watch him from his or her cell yet had had no proof of it. If he had, he would've written it for Dr Loomis immediately.
He then wondered for a moment if she had suspected him of it. That thought also tugged at him. He was a killer, plain and simple. Not a watcher. He tracked, hunted, killed. That's it. He didn't want anyone's money or to work for anyone. He was a lone predator.
But he should've been there for her just now. If she was one of very few people safe from his killing rage, why hadn't he? He should've comforted her. Was he afraid he'd hurt her accidentally? Surely, he wouldn't have. Would he?
He knew how scared she was. Both of him and the situation with Adam and Chancer. But he hadn't and he wasn't sure even to himself why.
But he knew one thing. He had to get his thoughts in order, because as soon as they allowed him to, he would comfort her. In whatever way he could, to make up for not having done so when she needed him the most. She could touch his ears all she liked. He still didn't fully understand why this was so important to him to comfort her, but it was, so he would do it and nothing would stand in his way. He'd kill for it if he had to.
…
Fuck its cold!
This was the first thought that entered Derek Chancer's mind as he slowly surfaced into consciousness. Where was he? When he opened his eyes, the room seemed to spin. He closed them again and reopened them.
He was in a small, claustrophobic space, thick glass surrounded him. An armed guard was standing on his right, a gun clearly visible in his shoulder holster. Two others stood grim faced behind him.
"What the fuck?" He finally managed to croak. "Where am I?"
Then everything came back. "You fuckers drugged me!" He wanted to shout it, but he still felt too weak to do so.
"Oh, stop complaining." It was Dr Stark's voice, coming through concealed speakers. This only made Derek even angrier. The nerve of the bitch. From behind glass of course so he couldn't reach her.
"We need some questions answered Mr. Chancer. I think you know what I'm talking about."
"So why from behind glass?" Derek retaliated. "Is it because you know I'd shove my rock-hard cock into your dripping wet bitch and fuck you before snapping your neck otherwise?"
"ENOUGH!"
That was Dr Loomis' voice. He said with an authoritative shout. Chancer smirked. The guard on his right placed his hand on the butt of his gun. A clear warning.
Dickhead, Chancer thought. "Questions about what?"
Dr Loomis bent down and picked something up. It was his iPod in a clear plastic bag. The kind the police used for storing evidence.
"I should make one thing clear," Dr Loomis said. "You won't be getting any food until you answer all our questions. So, if you want to get out of here and back to your cell or even eat again, start talking."
Chancer glared at him. "You're supposed to be treating me, not torturing me."
"You're one to talk about torture," Dr Stark snarled. This time Dr Loomis didn't step into intervene. It was clear that he agreed. Chancer grinned. Yes, that was true. He could torture women. But he wasn't here to receive it.
"I think," Dr Loomis' voice was steady. "That after everything we suspect you have done; you are not able to complain. When you compromise the welfare, safety and possibly even the life of another patient, my options of treating you are limited. Wouldn't you say?"
Chancer decided his best chance here was to play innocent. "What are you talking about? I'll take you to court for this. Drugging me!"
"You carry on," Dr Loomis said mildly. "It'll save all the officers from needing to look for you before they put you in the electric chair."
That silenced Derek. He knew the State wanted to execute him, and he also knew this dickhead on the other side of the glass could make that happen very easily. But he'd be God damned if that'd make Chancer respect him. He could now understand, though he didn't like it, why they'd drugged him. No way in hell would he have come down here willingly or quietly?
Anger took hold of him and at the same time he felt his cock stiffen in his pants. God help Dr Stark if he got hold of her. Or any woman for that matter. He'd fuck them so hard they'd be bleeding before he killed them, slowly and violently. He might even fuck them again afterwards…
That stiffened his resolve (along with his cock) not to say anything of the truth. For the first time he found himself congratulating Chris Leach on his technical skills. He hadn't thought about it before. The "I'm listening" app on the iPod looked like a workout one. The "Play'' button was a treadmill icon and the "Working" button was a pedal. Now that he thought about it, this made sense. Listen to someone a long walk away and prove you're working hard so we pay you. A pedal. Brilliant. These quacks would never work the truth out. But first they had to get past the password. One too many times and…
"What's the password for your iPod?" Dr Loomis asked. So here we go…
I could lie, Chancer thought. Three incorrect guesses and this idiot would be dead. Although he still wasn't sure how the iPod could kill him. But it was an exciting and tempting thought. But then he realised the problem with this plan. It would look suspicious if he gave the incorrect password three times, given that it was "his" iPod, and he was only using it hours ago. Nope, there was nothing for it, he'd be entirely trusting Chris Leach. This thought gave him no comfort at all.